Basement help?

Planning on remodeling and adding a gameroom or big den in the basement. I live in Upstate New York and I'm trying to find the building codes so I can do it all legal. Does anyone know a website you can download the information? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanx in advance.

Public Comments

1. Try Googling your towns name, see if they have a site with the codes, ours does.
2. Your best way to start is to go to the real source - make an appt. to speak with someone in the Bldg & Planning division of your home township. Draw the entire basement floor plan with overall measurements and then draw each north, south, east and west wall including locations and sizes of windows, doors, washer, dryer, boiler, electrical outlets and electrical panel. Chances are that the Town Bldg. Dept has your survey on the computer but not your basement dimensions. You would need a permit if you want to install a bathroom. Any electrical or plumbing work must be done by a licensed contractor but the rest of the work (studding walls, flooring etc.) can be done by the homeowner. Don't be afraid to ask questions, you might get suggestions that you didn't think of. I'm in the process of the same project & I did just as I'm advising you. I sat down and went over my options with the Islip NY Bldg. Dept and they were courteous and informative. I asked many questions, some not basement related and they were patient and answered all of my questions. This way you get the true picture and you'll be dealing directly with the people and the Dept that set the standards and can issue summons and fines. Hope this helps - good luck to you !!!